Who's a fat cat?

Bigger isn't better when it comes to pets' weights

October 10, 2010|BY KEVIN BENNETT, kbennett@aberdeennews.com

Many pet parents believe that maintaining their pet's health is a big priority and shouldn't be taken lightly. Veterinarian Robin O'Neill readies a syringe to give a shot to Bouncer, a 5-year-old cat rescued by the staff at the Animal Health Clinic. American News Photo by John Davis

The problems of poor diet and lazy lifestyles aren't exclusive to people, said Dr. R.D. Cooper of Cooper Animal Clinic. "Like people, if pets don't get the proper nutrition and exercise, it could lead to obesity, which could cause a host of health problems," Cooper said. "It's important that pets are checked regularly to look at their overall health and address any concerns pet parents may have." Tammy Bonds, 27, of Aberdeen, says she tries to do just that with her 3-year-old chocolate labrador, Daisy. Bonds has had Daisy since she was a puppy and considers her part of the family. "I want Daisy to have a long, joyful life, and that may not be possible if I don't take her health and well-being seriously," Bonds added. Bonds makes sure to have Daisy See Checkup, Page 3C Continued from Page XX looked over by a veterinarian twice each year. In between check-ups, Bonds says she makes sure Daisy gets the exercise she needs and is eating healthy. "As of her last exam in June, her vet said she was in good condition," Bonds said. "She was at an ideal weight, and the vet didn't seem to have any concerns." Three years ago, Joy Ward-Smith, 63, of Aberdeen and her cats Pickles and Lala, were faced with a weight problem. "They were fat," Ward-Smith said. "They just wasn't getting the exercise they were used to, and I wasn't measuring their food, as I do now." She had her cats for nine years and were named by her grandchildren. After visiting the veterinarian about her cats' weight, the Ward-Smith said the doctor suggested putting the cats on a diets catered for their breed. Pickles and Lala's lack of exercise was also largely due to the fact that Ward-Smith and her husband moved into a new home that did not have a fenced-in backyard. Since then, the couple has put up a fence, and Pickles and Lala can roam freely in the backyard. Today, the fence, along with the cats' diet, has helped get them back to more of an ideal weight. "Now, those two get all the exercise they want," Ward-Smith said. "I let them out each morning for about an hour and again in the afternoon and evening." As for Pickles and Lala's diet, Ward-Smith says they're still on it. "It's our responsible as the caretakers of our pets to ensure they're healthy," Ward-Smith added. "They can't take themselves to the vet." Another important aspect of being a pet parent is to be educated on pets' breeds, said April Stoltenburg, a registered veterinarian technician at Cooper Animal Clinic. "The more you know about the breed of your pet, the better," she said. "Each breed is different, and treatment for certain health issue can vary. An exercise routine or a diet for one breed may not be enough or could be too much for another breed. Knowing more about your pet's breed allows owners to better meet their pet's needs." Cooper agrees. "If pet parents can educate themselves about their pets and stick to a proper nutrition and exercise, it'll go a long way with their pets," Cooper added. "These are three simple ways to ensure pets live healthier lives." LAST GEEK